Ambiguity and uncertainty in the synchrony and diachrony of language

This paper investigates the relationship between ambiguity and uncertainty, as well as their intertwining with the synchronic functioning and the diachronic development of languages. After introducing some basic concepts and terminology, I propose a definition and a taxonomy of linguistic ambiguity. The parallels with figurative illusions highlight the perceptual correlates of the phenomenon, while the discussion on its metaphorical conceptualization confirms the connection with the domain of uncertainty. In the synchronic perspective the link between ambiguity and uncertainty will be explained in relation to economic behaviour and system efficiency, while their role in diachronic processes will be explored in relation to different factors and mechanisms of language change.